Post-game musings

— Upon further review, the Rangers reversed their decision and now they are bringing Al Montoya to Puerto Rico.

So, to review: Al Montoya and Stephen Valiquette are going to Puerto Rico. Henrik Lundqvist and Kevin Weekes are staying in New York. Eddie Giacomin is still retired….

— In other news, Brendan Shanahan talked after the game about how he was happy to play alongside any of his new teammates just to get to know them. Then he talked about playing the other day alongside Bruce Gardiner. Blank stares ensued. “Bruce Graham, I mean,” he said. “It’s good getting to know these guys — first and last names.”

Second on Moore…obviously, got to hear his name a bit with the two assists…good to see him get PK time, as he’s definitely a real two-way player. I had heard some people say that he was NHL ready last year…is there a spot for the pride of Lisbon, Maine, on this team this year? And please, don’t let any Hockey East rivalries get in the way of this assessment (I saw how ugly it was with the thing about Boyle).

Indeed, it may be even more difficult to heap praise on a Black Bear than a Terrier. But yes, Moore made a major impact tonight. His linemate, Matt Cullen, spoke repeatedly of how sturdy on his skates he is, and how difficult it was for the Devils to move him from out front of the net.

Of course, I have to think that the spot Moore occupied tonight will eventually go to Shanahan, since Shanahan was essentially filling the spot that will be held by Jagr (if you keep going about 12,000 steps down the list, I believe even I would fit in to this). And I think Cullen-Shanny-Prucha makes for a pretty formidable unit.